Finding the Right Neighborhood Can Be A Major Decision.

Posted
by Christina Maddock on March 31, 2019

Tacoma & Kitsap Peninsula

Bonney Lake: The proud home of Lake Tapps, Bonney Lake is a great destination for those wanting a refuge while keeping Seattle in reach. Nearby Southcenter Mall offers one of the city’s best selections of shopping, dining, and more.

Bremerton: Bremerton is the largest city on the Seattle-neighboring Kitsap peninsula. With the outdoors out your backdoor, the city is as well. The ferry system carries hundreds of commuters and their vehicles from Bremerton to Seattle as part of their commute everyday.

Enumclaw: Enumclaw has resisted the big box stores in an effort to maintain it’s pastoral image. Located east of Tacoma, downtown Enumclaw is filled with small local shops, restaurants, and local services. Enumclaw enjoys one of the lowest sales-tax rates in Washington state, saving local businesses and residents thousands of dollars and making Enumclaw a very competitive option for new residents.

Gig Harbor: "The maritime city” is also known as the “Gateway to the Olympic Peninsula” due to it being one of the first stops heading north to Olympic National Park. Due to its proximity to several state and city parks, as well as a historic waterfront that includes boutiques and fine dining, Gig Harbor is ideal for those looking for settle deeper into the beauty of Washington.

Kitsap: Kitsap county is well liked for it’s ocean setting, all while being just a ferry-ride across the sound from Seattle. Home to such towns as Port Orchard, a idyllic maritime feel permeates the landscape.

Lakewood: Also known as the Lakes District, Lakewood lies just southwest of Tacoma and offers several lakefront properties right within the city limits, as well as Fort Steilacoom Park.

North Kitsap: Towns such as Poulsbo, Port Gamble, and Kingston make up the northern end of the Kitsap peninsula, and offer wilderness access without sacrificing accessibility to Seattle across the sound.

Olympia: The capital seat of Washington state lies at the southern end of the Puget Sound. Located southeast of Tacoma, Olympia neighbors Lacey to the east and Turnwater to the south. This city has plenty of space for agriculture right outside the dining, shopping, and amenities of the capital city.

Port Orchard: Located 13 miles due West of West Seattle, Port Orchard is just a ferry ride away and offers quite the setting for those seeking a home within reach of the city.

Puyallup: Located in a valley south of Tacoma, Puyallup brings the best of the countryside within reach of big city resources. Puyallup is also home to the Washington State Fair, a well-known antiques district, and a weekly farmer’s market.

Silverdale: Silverdale lies on the southwest of the Kitsap peninsula. The city offers amenities to rural outlying communities such as shops and dining, including the Kitsap Mall. With oceanfront properties to plots on the hillside, Silverdale brings quite a bit to the table.

Spanaway: Lying close to nearby Mcchord Air Force Base, Spanaway has been home to some famous Seattle-area residents including Alice In Chains guitarist Jerry Cantrell. Located in the crutch of the Tacoma Narrows, Spanaway is within reach of Seattle, Tacoma, Olympia, and much more.

Sumner: Sumner is a city in northern Pierce county neighboring Puyallup to the west, Auburn to the north, and Bonney Lake to the east. Sumner is also well within reach of the southern waterfront of the Puget Sound.

Tacoma: Tacoma is on the banks of Puget Sound, and south of Seattle. Tacoma is the second-largest city in the Puget Sound area next to Seattle, and the third largest city in the state. Recently voted one of America's most livable cities.

Yelm: The city of Yelm ranked in the top 10 for population growth in Washington state. The city lies near I-5 and state routes 507, 510 and 702, connecting the community to the greater Puget Sound and providing a gateway to nearby Mount Rainier.

Seattle Neighborhoods.

Auburn: Centrally located South of SeaTac airport and just to the east of Tacoma, Auburn is ideal for families looking to get more for their mortgage dollar. Auburn showcases all the beauty of the PNW with over 28 developed parks, 23 miles of trails and over 247 acres of outdoor space designated for recreation.

Beacon Hill: Located right in the heart of Seattle, Beacon Hill offers views of downtown, Elliot Bay, and Mount Rainier. Centrally located near I-5 the borough also boasts great restaurants and some of the best nightlife and live-music Seattle has to offer.

Burien: With a population of over 33,000 and a heritage dating back over a hundred years, Burien has established itself with a small town feel that embraces diversity. Located between downtown Seattle and SeaTac airport, this burrough offers a convenient location for commuters as well.

Central District: Located just south of Capitol Hill near downtown Seattle, the Central District offers affordable living in a convenient location. Considered one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city, in recent years the area has been the subject of new construction, as the mainly residential neighborhood continues to thrive.

Columbia City: With Rainier Ave. boasting shops, restaurants, and a historic theater supporting live music (including Jimi Hendrix) since 1917, it’s not hard to see why this neighborhood is becoming highly sought after. Columbia City is also along the Light Rail train system, making it easy to commute downtown, the airport, and many other parts of Seattle.

Delridge: This Seattle neighborhood lies on the southern end of West Seattle and boasts a cultural center included on the national register of historic places. The area’s location lends easy access to dining and shopping in White Center, the West Seattle Junction, and more.

Des Moines: This community lies on the east shore of the Puget Sound approximately halfway between Seattle and Tacoma. The beachside locale offers a recreational marina and a boardwalk to take in views of the Olympic Peninsula across the water.

Federal Way: This coastal city is the 5th largest city within the Seattle metropolitan area. Offering over 7 parks and a beautiful lake, Federal Way has plenty to offer those seeking a convenient location with city/nature balance.

Kent: Kent is located in the heart of the SeaTac area and is the second oldest city in King County behind only Seattle. The city hosts professional hockey and soccer teams, and was named Sports Illustrated’s “Sports town of the year” for the state of Washington.

North Beacon Hill: North Beacon Hill is held by many as the most culturally diverse neighborhood in the inner-Seattle area. With a population of roughly 17,000, this neighborhood continues to develop into a thriving cityscape.

Rainier Valley: Part of Seattle’s south end, this area lies just east of Beacon Hill. Comprised of smaller communities, Rainier Valley offers diversity and access within the city limits.

Renton: Just south of Seattle, Renton has much to offer those who want everything they need right in their own neighborhood. With shopping, dining, and nightlife, the neighborhood continues to solidify itself as an option for professionals and families alike.

Tukwila: Home to the shopping and dining of Southcenter Mall, Convenience to Seatac airport and I-5 give Tukwila it’s accessible reputation.

West Seattle: West Seattle boasts Alki Beach, as well as views of the sound, the city, and the Olympic Peninsula. Shopping and dining down California avenue, as well as a history of homeownership in the area, make this neighborhood one of the most sought after locations in all of Seattle.

White Center: White Center is a growing neighborhood on the southern end of West Seattle. The city center offers great dining and nightlife, making it a destination for young professionals and families seeking out a small and vibrant neighborhood.

North Seattle & Eastside

Ballard: One of the cultural centers of the city, this historical fishing quarter boast some of the city’s best nightlife and community offerings. The Ballard Locks and marina offer options for those looking to incorporate the water into their environment.

Bellevue: Across Lake Washington from Seattle lies the city of Bellevue with a population of roughly 136,000. With all that a continually-growing Bellevue has to offer, it is no wonder it has been ranked the #12 city to live in all of America.

Edmonds: Edmonds is located just north of Seattle, facing the Puget Sound and the Olympic mountains to the west. Offering convenience into the city as well as a thriving local community, Edmonds is an option for commuters and families alike.

Everett: Everett is the county seat in Seattle-neighboring Snohomish County. Everett is also home to the Port of Everett, bringing trade, commerce, jobs, and recreational opportunities to the city.

Issaquah: Nestled at the western feet of the “Issaquah Alps” this city offers access to wilderness hiking, skiing, camping, as well as the Mountains to Sound Greenway. Issaquah is conveniently located within reach of neighboring Seattle, Bellevue, and Redmond.

Lake City: Located in the Northeast corner of Seattle, Lake City today is the result of a long-standing campaign to elevate the residential environment of its residents. Find shopping and dining conveniently located with Northgate Mall nearby.

Lynnwood: Located north of Seattle, Lynnwood is a premiere location for commuters to Seattle, Bellevue, and Redmond. The city has one of the strongest concentrations of retail in the region including the Alderwood Mall.

Marysville: Growing at an annual rate of 2.5% per year, Marysville is the fastest growing city in Washington state. Located to the north of Seattle along I-5, the city also offers views of the 5,300 ft peak Mt. Pilchuck.

Mill Creek: Though north of the city, Mill Creek is considered a part of the Seattle metropolitan area. A town center hosting both retail and residential opportunities has seen both population and popularity increase steadily in recent years.

Redmond: Redmond is most notable as being the home of both Microsoft and Nintendo (North America). Offering a developed home market and access to the great outdoors, Redmond is also considered by many to be the “Bicycle capital of the Northwest”.

Sammamish: Located on a northern plateau, this city is bordered by Lake Sammamish to the west and the Snoqualmie Valley to the east. This Seattle suburb has plenty to offer prospective homeowners.

Shoreline: Shoreline is located a quick 9 miles up I-5 from Seattle. It’s convenient location makes it popular with commuters, although the city itself offers shopping, dining, and other amenities all right at home.

University District: This vibrant area surrounds the University of Washington, and holds an eclectic mix of urban shopping, historic homes, as well as great cafes, pubs, restaurants, and theaters. The “U District” brings a youthful and relaxed feel with lots to take advantage of.

Woodinville: A part of the Seattle metropolitan area, Woodinville offers waterfront parks on the Sammamish River, diverse winery and brewery options, and large wooded residential areas ideal for prospective property-owners.

As a premiere Real Estate Brokerage Firm, Hawkins-Poe, Inc. Real Estate Services is a solid regional leader in the industry and continues to attract and retain the most successful Broker Members. Formed in the post-war era in the tiny City of Fircrest, founder Jack Hawkins insisted upon integrity and lived by a simple rule: “folks will make good decisions if I give them good information.” Certainly, he remains profusely proud knowing his simple motto has not only survived through three generations, but it is the driving focus to the company’s success today